Bengaluru, May 22 (UNI) Eminent Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy has urged the United Kingdom and India to move from transactional ties to transformative partnerships in science and innovation, as he welcomed top British academic leaders including Manvinder Banga, Chairman of Imperial College London.

Speaking at a high-level event hosted by Imperial College here on late Wednesday evening, Murthy hailed the UK-India collaboration in research and development as “essential” and “ambitious”, with an eye on building a resilient and sustainable future by 2040.

“The United Kingdom and India are bound not just by a shared history, but by a to-be-shared future—rooted in curiosity, creativity and collaboration,” Murthy said, lauding the convergence between the two countries in addressing grand challenges such as clean air, potable water, renewable energy, climate change, healthcare, education, and the digital divide.

Referring to the UK’s rich legacy in scientific thought—evoking names like Newton, Maxwell, Smith, and Turing—Murthy praised Imperial College’s leadership, noting its No. 2 global rank in STEM education and research. “It is aspirational for every Indian researcher pursuing STEM subjects,” he added.

He emphasised India’s strengths in frugal innovation, digital economy and AI applications, describing the two nations together as “a powerhouse capable of driving breakthroughs” for the world.

Calling for the establishment of UK-India innovation corridors, Murthy said, “Let’s co-create technologies that empower the globe while upholding ethics, equity and sustainability.”

Striking a lighter note at the end of his address, Murthy disclosed that the speech had been written by ChatGPT-4, not by him. “One important thing—this speech was written by ChatGPT-4, not by me,” he said, drawing smiles from the audience.

Also present at the event were Imperial College President Prof Hugh Brady and several distinguished scientists and policy leaders.

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